Abstract Title property is the most common form of title found in the United States. An Abstract of Title is a history of the recorded title to a particular tract of land. It is a document which consists of a summary of material parts of every recorded instrument affecting the title. It begins with a legal description of land covered by the Abstract, and then shows the original patent and all subsequent recorded documents. In St. Louis County, approximately two-thirds of documents recorded are Abstract Title Property.
 

Torrens Title property is property in which the title is under the supervision of the District Court. Under the supervision of the Court, the Registrar of Titles issues an owner’s copy of the Certificate of Title which is delivered to the parties submitting documents for recording. Torrens title property is legally separate and distinct from title to Abstract property. Approximately one-third of documents filed in St. Louis County are Torrens Title.

Abstract and Torrens filing fees are mandated by the state of Minnesota.
Minnesota Statute Section 357.18
Minnesota Statute Section 508.82
  
Fees must be paid at the time of filing.  Paper documents sent to the office must be in the form of cash or check. Checks for recording fees are made payable to: St. Louis County Recorder. Checks for mortgage, deed, and property tax are made payable to: St. Louis County Auditor.

Abstract Fees
Torrens Fees
Miscellaneous and Copy Fees
Mortgage Registration Tax
State Deed Tax
Well Certificate Fees